State BJP urges for MSIC reactivation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2014:
Pointing out that the Manipur State Information Commission remains non-functional for the last many years as no one has been appointed as the State Chief Information Commissioner or State Information Commissioners, BJP State unit has sent written representation to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to persuade the State Government and ensure that the MSIC is once again functional.
Because of the defunct MSIC, a large number of appeals/applications filed under the Right to Information Act have been pending thereby rendering the public without any remedy for redressal of their grievances.
This is highly detrimental to the public and it amounts to violation of all fundamental rights of each and every citizen, and the meaning of a democratic stands diluted.
The situation demands immediate intervention of the Centre and ensure that the Manipur State Information Commission is reactivated.
Acting on a PIL, the High Court of Manipur directed the State of Manipur to ensure appointment of the State Chief Information Commissioner and other State Information Commissioners preferably within six months.
But so far nothing has been done to revive the defunct commission, said the BJP State unit letter.
The Congress Government led by Chief Minister O Ibobi wilfully and intentionally failed to appoint the State Chief Information Commissioner and other Commissioners even to the extent of committing contempt of Court.
Highlighting the importance of reviving the defunct MSIC, the BJP State unit urged the incumbent NDA Government to enlist the matter in the 100 days programme.